Hornady 25522 SST 25 Caliber .257 117 Grain Super Shock Tip Bullets: Precision and Performance for North American and African Game

For serious hunters who demand reliable terminal performance, exceptional accuracy, and flat trajectories, the Hornady 25522 SST 25 Cal. .257 117 gr Super Shock Tip bullet stands out as a premier choice. This meticulously engineered projectile is designed to deliver tremendous shock upon impact while ensuring quick and consistent expansion, particularly at the higher velocities common in modern hunting cartridges. Whether you're targeting whitetail deer, larger North American game like antelope or moose, or even similar-sized African plains game, the Hornady SST (Super Shock Tip) is crafted to provide devastating effectiveness and ethical one-shot stops.

Why Choose Hornady SST Bullets for Your Hunting Needs?

Hunters frequently ask, "What's the best bullet for ethical kills at various ranges?" or "How can I maximize my rifle's accuracy and terminal performance?" The answer often lies in selecting a bullet that combines advanced design with proven field results. The Hornady SST, specifically the 117-grain .257 caliber variant, is engineered to address these very questions.

Its unique construction integrates several key features that contribute to its outstanding performance:

• Sleek Polymer Tip: This distinctive red tip is not just for aesthetics. It significantly increases the ballistic coefficient, reducing air resistance and ensuring the bullet retains more velocity and energy downrange. It also initiates rapid, controlled expansion upon impact.
• Secant Ogive Boat-Tail Profile: This aerodynamically efficient design minimizes drag, allowing for flatter trajectories and greater downrange energy transfer. It's a critical component for long-range accuracy and performance.
• InterLock Ring: A signature Hornady technology, this ring mechanically locks the bullet's core to its jacket. This prevents core-jacket separation during expansion, ensuring the bullet retains weight and drives deeper into the target, leading to massive energy dump and reliable penetration.

These design elements collectively contribute to a bullet that offers unparalleled consistency and lethal effectiveness, making it an ideal choice for a wide array of hunting scenarios.

Unpacking the Technology: What Makes the SST So Effective?

Understanding the science behind the Hornady SST helps appreciate its capabilities. Let's delve deeper into the features that distinguish this bullet.

Aerodynamic Excellence and Ballistic Performance

The polymer tip and secant ogive boat-tail work in concert to achieve superior aerodynamics. A higher ballistic coefficient (BC) means the bullet fights air resistance more effectively. For the Hornady 117 gr .257 SST, the stated coefficient is .390. This translates into:

• Flatter Trajectory: Less bullet drop over distance, simplifying shot placement.
• Reduced Wind Drift: The bullet is less affected by crosswinds, enhancing accuracy in challenging conditions.
• Greater Retained Energy: More energy is carried to the target, ensuring profound impact and efficient energy transfer for quick, humane kills.

This level of ballistic efficiency is crucial for hunters who may encounter varying shot distances in the field, from close-range timber shots to longer open-field engagements.

Devastating Terminal Performance: The "Super Shock Tip" Advantage

The "Super Shock Tip" moniker is well-earned. The polymer tip initiates rapid expansion immediately upon impact, creating a large wound channel. The InterLock Ring then ensures that despite this rapid expansion, the lead core and copper jacket remain bonded. This controlled expansion allows the bullet to deliver its energy efficiently within the animal, creating significant hydrostatic shock and internal damage while still achieving adequate penetration.

The sectional density of this 117-grain bullet is .253. Sectional density is a measure of a bullet's mass relative to its cross-sectional area, influencing its ability to penetrate. Combined with the controlled expansion offered by the InterLock Ring, the SST provides a balanced approach to terminal ballistics: wide wound channels and sufficient penetration for effective incapacitation.

Ideal Applications: Where Does the Hornady SST Shine?

The Hornady 25522 SST is classified for medium game application, but its versatility extends far beyond that definition. Its performance characteristics make it suitable for:

• Whitetail Deer Hunting: Arguably its most common application in North America. The rapid expansion and devastating shock are highly effective on whitetails, often resulting in immediate stops and short tracking jobs.
• Antelope and Mule Deer: For open plains hunting where longer shots are common, the SST's flat trajectory and retained energy are invaluable.
• Moose: While primarily a "medium game" bullet, the 117-grain .257 caliber SST, when driven at high velocities from powerful .25 caliber cartridges, can be effective on larger animals like moose, particularly with well-placed shots. Its deep penetration capabilities, thanks to the InterLock ring, are a significant advantage here.
• African Plains Game: Species like Impala, Springbok, Wildebeest, and even some smaller Kudu or Oryx can be ethically harvested with this bullet, provided the appropriate .25 caliber cartridge is used and shot placement is precise.

It's important for hunters to match the bullet to their chosen cartridge and the specific game. The Hornady 117 gr .257 SST is designed to perform optimally across a broad spectrum of velocities encountered in popular .25 caliber cartridges such as the .25-06 Remington, .257 Roberts, and .25 WSSM.

Compatibility and Reloading Considerations

For reloaders, the Hornady 25522 SST provides an excellent component for crafting highly accurate and effective hunting loads. Each box contains 100 bullets, with 25 boxes per case, making bulk purchasing for extensive reloading sessions convenient.

When developing loads, reloaders should note:

• Bullet Diameter: .257 inches, ensuring proper fit and sealing in .25 caliber barrels.
• Bullet Weight: 117 grains, a common and versatile weight for .25 caliber rifles, offering a good balance of velocity and downrange energy.
• Core Material: Lead, combined with a Copper Jacket Material, a classic and effective combination for hunting bullet construction.
• Bullet Tip Material: Polymer, as discussed, crucial for ballistic efficiency and expansion.

Always refer to reputable reloading manuals for specific load data tailored to the Hornady 117 gr SST bullet and your chosen cartridge. Experimentation with different powders and seating depths will help optimize accuracy for your specific firearm.

The Hornady Legacy: A Name You Can Trust

Hornady is a brand synonymous with quality, innovation, and performance in the ammunition and component industry. Their commitment to precision manufacturing and rigorous testing ensures that every Hornady SST bullet meets exacting standards. When you choose Hornady, you're investing in decades of ballistic expertise and a product designed to perform when it matters most. Hunters worldwide trust Hornady for their critical hunting endeavors, knowing that their bullets are designed to deliver reliable, ethical results.

Purchasing these high-quality components for your reloading needs is simple and secure through reputable retailers like DEGuns.com, where you can find a comprehensive selection of Hornady products, including the 117 gr .257 SST.

Common Questions About Hunting Bullet Selection

What's the difference between SST and other bullet types like InterBond or ELD-X?

While all are Hornady bullets, the SST is characterized by its rapid, yet controlled expansion initiated by the polymer tip, and core-jacket retention via the InterLock ring.

• InterBond bullets feature a chemically bonded core and jacket, offering even greater weight retention and deeper penetration, often favored for very large or dangerous game.
• ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag - eXpanding) bullets are designed for extreme long-range hunting, featuring a heat-shield tip that resists aerodynamic heating and maintains its shape, ensuring consistent expansion at vast distances.

The SST strikes an excellent balance for most common hunting ranges and game animals, providing both rapid energy transfer and reliable penetration.

How important is the ballistic coefficient for hunting bullets?

The ballistic coefficient (BC) is very important, especially for shots beyond 200 yards. A higher BC means the bullet retains more velocity and energy, and is less affected by wind. This translates to flatter trajectories, less holdover, and better accuracy at extended ranges, which is critical for ethical hunting shots. The .390 BC of the 117 gr .257 SST is excellent for a hunting bullet of its weight and caliber.

Can I use these bullets for target shooting or practice?

While the Hornady SST is primarily designed for hunting, its inherent accuracy makes it suitable for practice sessions to confirm your rifle's zero and familiarize yourself with the bullet's trajectory. However, due to their specialized design and cost compared to non-expanding target bullets, most hunters reserve SSTs for actual hunting trips and use less expensive full metal jacket (FMJ) or target-specific bullets for extensive practice.

Is the Hornady SST considered an ethical hunting bullet?

Absolutely. The Hornady SST is widely regarded as an ethical hunting bullet due to its design for rapid, humane kills. Its ability to deliver tremendous shock, expand quickly and reliably, and retain sufficient weight for penetration ensures that the animal is dispatched efficiently, minimizing suffering. Ethical hunting relies on shot placement, but also on using a bullet that performs predictably and effectively upon impact.

What cartridges are best suited for the .257 117 gr SST?

This bullet is perfectly suited for popular .25 caliber cartridges such as:

• .25-06 Remington: Known for its flat trajectory and high velocity, making it an excellent pairing for the SST.
• .257 Roberts: A classic, efficient cartridge that delivers reliable performance with the 117 gr SST.
• .257 Weatherby Magnum: For those seeking maximum velocity and energy, the .257 Weatherby Magnum can push the 117 gr SST to incredible speeds, enhancing its long-range potential.
• .25 WSSM (Winchester Super Short Magnum): A compact, powerful cartridge that also pairs well with this bullet for a versatile hunting rifle.

Key Specifications and Product Details

Attribute	Value
Brand	Hornady
Model	SST
Caliber	25 Cal
Bullet Diameter	.257 inches
Bullet Weight	117 grains
Bullet Type	Super Shock Tip
Bullet Tip Material	Polymer
Core Material	Lead
Jacket Material	Copper
Ballistic Coefficient	.390
Sectional Density	.253
Application	Medium Game
Rounds Per Box	100
Boxes Per Case	25
Manufacturer Part Number	25522
SKU (Hornady)	87670
UPC	090255255225